“Always stick with it – even when things aren’t going well.” Jennifer Ring gives this advice to the new trainees. Her start to training as an automotive mechatronics engineer was bumpy: “The first few weeks were difficult. I didn’t even know where to refill the washer fluid on a car.” The instructors encouraged her. Now, three years later, she is a proven expert in the maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair of cars, especially with electric and hybrid drives. Working on the Vivaro Hydrogen, the hydrogen LCV, was one of the highlights of her training. She also put her newly acquired knowledge into a private project and repaired a 2002 Alfa Romeo herself and made it roadworthy again.
“The training was great – and it works even without any prior knowledge.”
“The training was simply great – and it works even if you have no prior knowledge,” she emphasizes. She feels completely at home at Opel. Nevertheless, she has now taken a leave of absence for two years. To enlist in the Bundeswehr. “My dream is to become a pilot,” she says. She has already passed the general basic training. And if her dream of flying a Eurofighter or a cargo plane doesn’t come true, she would like to come back to Rüsselsheim – “where I learned that you have to stick with it if you want to achieve a goal.”
Jennifer Ring (21), automotive mechatronics engineer
Christian Achenbach (29), mechatronics engineer
As a newly trained mechatronics engineer, Christian Achenbach is a real all-rounder. Whether mechanics, computer science or electronics – he is familiar with many areas. To complete his training at Opel, he stopped studying to become an industrial engineer and moved from Marburg to Mainz. A decision he has not regretted. “During my studies I had difficulties adapting. At Opel, however, I found a great atmosphere,” he emphasizes. Supported by respect and tolerance. His hearing is impaired. He had a sign language interpreter at his side both at vocational school and during the practical phases in the Opel training workshop.
“I’m open to learning new things and looking forward to what the future holds.”
“The colleagues here are considerate and accept me as I am – a huge plus.” What he particularly appreciates is the variety and development opportunities that the car manufacturer offers as a large company. First, he will contribute his knowledge to the maintenance team. “I’m open to learning new things and looking forward to what the future holds.”
The first stop for Seunghun Park after his training is the robots in the shell. As a newly trained electronics engineer for automation technology, he will set up, modify and expand the complex automated systems that produce the bodies from individual components – “I’m really looking forward to that.” As a native of Rüsselsheim, he already knew during his school days that it was for him after graduating from high school he would end up at Opel. His father also works in the design field here.
“With my knowledge of robotics and automation, I am well prepared.”
And it worked. He quickly realized that the demanding training was exactly the right thing for him. A highlight: programming a sorting system, which he had to develop for his final exam. He completed his training with a grade of A. “With my knowledge of robotics and automation, I am ideally prepared for whatever the future brings,” he is certain. However, the most formative thing during his training was the good team spirit – “it was a great team spirit right from the start.”
Seunghun Park (23), electronics technician for automation technology
Celebration for the graduating class of 2023: All trainees and students who have now graduated have received a job offer.
Apply now for 2024!
Interested parties can now submit applications for the 2024 recruitment year. The selection and recruitment process will then start in autumn. Opel offers training in ten different professions. The job profiles reflect the changes in the automotive industry. Electronics, high-voltage technology and software development are playing an increasingly important role. Dual study programs in the areas of vehicle electronics, vehicle system technology and electromobility are also on the rise. Opel now offers nine different dual study programs.
September 2023